Congo Launches Ebola Vaccination for Health Workers

The Democratic Republic of Congo commenced a vaccination campaign against Ebola for frontline health workers in Bunia, Ituri Province, the epicenter of the current outbreak. The initiative began on Saturday and targets health workers and personnel at high risk of exposure to the virus.

The Ervebo vaccine, effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola, is being administered under a compassionate-use program, as its efficacy against the Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the current outbreak, is still under investigation. Nikole Landu, a healthcare worker, received the vaccine, acknowledging it may not provide complete protection but could reduce severe illness risk.

The campaign is focused on Bunia and Mongbwalu health zones, which are severely affected. As of Saturday, the outbreak has led to 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths, making it the deadliest of the country's 17 Ebola outbreaks.

The response faces challenges from insecurity, health workers' strikes, and population movements. The WHO has approved 70,000 doses of Ervebo for use in Congo, with 50,000 allocated for frontline workers.